Fan or no fan on insert

[OhioBurner©]

I suspect that's the case with mine. My totally unsubstantiated theory is that the hotter firebox allows me to run with less air, resulting in longer burns. At the moment most of my loads are running with the air fully closed. That's only possible with well seasoned wood.

TE

I've never tried running for extended periods without the blower since it seems quite noticeable it doesn't put out much heat into the room without. But your reasoning wouldn't work on my stove... unless I'm trying to burn wet wood my air control is all the way to min all times once its through startup until I'm getting ready for reload.

 

[Grisu]

I turn mine on (low) when the stovetop reaches around 600 F and turn it off when the peak of the secondaries is over. I aim to keep the insert as long as possible at its optimal combustion temperature without overheating it and potentially losing too much heat up the chimney. Although the fan is not very loud, I also enjoy the silence and the power savings. Convection around my insert does a good job in getting the heat out when the fan is not running. Since I have an interior fireplace, any remaining heat will get soaked up by the bricks and released into the room over time.

 

[TradEddie]

I've never tried running for extended periods without the blower since it seems quite noticeable it doesn't put out much heat into the room without.

I'd agree with your observations for short-term fan use, but over a longer term I've found that by not using the fan I get much more heat into the surrounding brickwork which results in a steadier heat output. I know that I'm the the luxurious position of having an oversized insert, so I don't need to get every last BTU out of the burn, but I really don't think I'm losing much heat by not using the fan. Once my room is over 70, the fan goes off.

TE

 

[begreen]

Inserts that project out onto the hearth are generally better at convecting naturally. A blower is a must for decent heat out of a flush insert.

 

[Grisu]

Yep, inserts need a fan. Similarly, 1500 W of electricity put into A will give you more heat than when you put it into B:
A) _______________________ B)
(broken image removed)

 

[OhioBurner©]

I'd agree with your observations for short-term fan use, but over a longer term I've found that by not using the fan I get much more heat into the surrounding brickwork which results in a steadier heat output. I know that I'm the the luxurious position of having an oversized insert, so I don't need to get every last BTU out of the burn, but I really don't think I'm losing much heat by not using the fan. Once my room is over 70, the fan goes off.

TE

Hmmm I do often forget about the thermal mass of the huge brick work in my great room, it does get slightly warm close to the insert but it just doesn't seem to get warm enough to do much good. Maybe I will have to test shutting the blower off just to see, but I can't imagine the slightly warm bricks being able to balance my poor insulation and whatever drafts are in the house. What I am more concerned with is if more heat is being wasted up the flue if a blower isn't used. But I'm just guessing there, I have never measured the exit gas temps. My insert is probably undersized though, so I am usually in the position of needing everything its got!

 

[velvetfoot]

I just tried a load with running the fan on high. It does seem like it uses up the wood quicker.

 

[tomc585]

Its all about the species, the moisture content and size. Larger and denser pieces give more BTU's longer. I can get a 16-18hr of usable heat with what I call "travel bricks". They are well seasoned 17" oak rounds that I cut/split to be 17"x14"x 10" bricks. When I am leaving for the day I load one onto a nice bed of red coals, wait about 5-10 minutes choke it down and go. It will last a long time, I have even returned home after 20 plus hours to find a glowing red ball about the size of my fist. The stove is still warm and easily ready to heat back up with a few small pieces right on top. With this method I find its not keeping the house at 75-80 deg but it is keeping the heating system from coming on which is set at 60deg.

 

[hamsey]

I have been thinking about putting in one monster piece lately. First I need to make them and let them season but if it will give me longer burn times then I am all in.

 

[TradEddie]

Hmmm I do often forget about the thermal mass of the huge brick work in my great room, it does get slightly warm close to the insert but it just doesn't seem to get warm enough to do much good. Maybe I will have to test shutting the blower off just to see, but I can't imagine the slightly warm bricks being able to balance my poor insulation and whatever drafts are in the house. What I am more concerned with is if more heat is being wasted up the flue if a blower isn't used. But I'm just guessing there, I have never measured the exit gas temps. My insert is probably undersized though, so I am usually in the position of needing everything its got!

Give it a go for a full 24 hours with no blower, keep the fire well tended and see what happens.I think you'll like it.
Totally different story if you're trying to get a warm house up to temperature.

TE